When it comes to city trips in Europe, most people immediately think of Rome, Barcelona, or London. But what if I told you there are cities just as beautiful, yet far less crowded?
Each has its own unique charm, and the best part is that you can easily combine not just one, but three cities in a single trip (or even four, if you’re feeling adventurous like I was). Join me and my best friend on this Baltic States itinerary through Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania!
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The Baltic States, comprising Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, form a captivating region in Northern Europe along the eastern shores of the Baltic Sea. Though small, these three countries boast a rich mix of cultures, languages and histories, shaped by centuries of foreign rule, struggles for independence and a resilient national identity.
Known for their charming medieval towns, pristine forests and vibrant modern cities, the Baltics offer a unique blend of Eastern and Western European influences. Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius are the best-known destinations, but smaller towns and national parks are well worth a visit too.
Since regaining independence from the Soviet Union in the early 1990s, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have grown into dynamic democracies and members of both the European Union and NATO. Today they draw visitors with their heritage, innovation and natural beauty.
Getting to the Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania) is easier than you might think, with several travel options to suit your preferences and budget.
Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to reach the Baltic States. Major European airports offer direct flights to the three Baltic capitals: Tallinn, Riga, and Vilnius. Budget airlines such as Ryanair, Wizz Air and airBaltic operate these routes frequently, making air travel both affordable and efficient.
For budget-conscious travelers, long-distance buses such as FlixBus are an economical alternative. They connect many European cities to Riga and Vilnius, and sometimes Tallinn. The journey can take 20 to 30 hours, but it’s a good option if you’re not in a rush and want to save money. There are no direct train connections, but you can combine trains with buses, often via cities like Berlin or Warsaw, for a more scenic overland trip.
Departing from Brussels? Expect a long journey. A FlixBus trip from Brussels to Vilnius or Riga usually involves at least one transfer, often in Berlin or Warsaw, and takes roughly 30 hours or more in total. Tickets typically start at around €150 one way if you book in advance, which is considerably cheaper than flying, but you trade a lot of time for those savings. Planning to continue to Tallinn? Add a few extra hours.
If you’re up for a road trip, driving to the Baltic States is a great option. The journey from central or western Europe typically takes 18 to 24 hours, depending on your starting point. You’ll pass through countries like Germany and Poland, and while it’s a long drive, it gives you the flexibility to explore other destinations along the way. Planning to use a rental car? Check with your rental company first if you’ll be crossing multiple borders, as this often comes with additional fees.
Coming from Scandinavia? Taking a ferry is another great option. Ferries run regularly from Helsinki to Tallinn and from Stockholm to Tallinn, making it easy to add the Baltic States to a Nordic itinerary.
Since the distances between the Baltic cities are fairly long, renting a car is the best way to travel between them. Just be sure to tell your rental company that you’ll be crossing borders. This usually comes with an extra fee, but the flexibility is well worth it: you can leave whenever it suits you and stop along the way.
Prefer to skip the car? You can also take a FlixBus or the train. These options are more budget-friendly, but they take considerably longer and may cut into your time exploring the cities.
| Route | Distance | By car | By bus | By train |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tallinn - Riga | ± 310 km | 4 to 4.5 hours | 4.5 to 5 hours | No direct train |
| Riga - Vilnius | ± 300 km | 4 to 4.5 hours | 4 to 4.5 hours | No direct train |
| Tallinn - Vilnius | ± 600 km | 7 to 7.5 hours | 8 to 9 hours | No direct train |
| Riga - Kaunas | ± 310 km | 4 hours | 4 to 4.5 hours | No direct train |
| Vilnius - Kaunas | ± 100 km | 1 to 1.25 hours | 1.5 hours | ± 1.25 to 1.5 hours |
Approximate averages without long stops. Traffic, weather and bus or train schedules can change them.
The Baltic States are a year-round destination, but each season offers a different experience. Here’s what to expect
I visited in April, and it was absolutely perfect! The weather was mild and not too hot, which made it ideal for wandering around and enjoying the cities without the summer crowds. Spring is a great choice if you want pleasant temperatures and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Summer is peak season, when the days are long and filled with festivals. July is usually the busiest month, as it coincides with the start of the summer holidays across Europe. It’s easy to see why summer is so popular: pleasant temperatures and extended daylight make it perfect for exploring.
Autumn brings fewer crowds, lower prices and colorful forests, though the days get shorter and cooler, and rain becomes more common.
Winter has its own unique charm. With festive Christmas markets and a blanket of snow, the Baltics feel like something out of a fairytale. Just be prepared for short days and freezing temperatures.
I had high expectations for Tallinn and it absolutely lived up to them. It quickly became one of my favorite cities I visited in Europe. The medieval charm, which I absolutely love, is especially vivid in the Old Town, with landmarks like the Three Sisters and the Hellemann Tower standing out. Wandering aimlessly through the cobbled streets is truly a joy.
To get a different perspective of the city, we made a stop at the Patkuli Viewing Platform. It offers a stunning panoramic view of the medieval rooftops and towers, perfect for taking it all in.
If you want to immerse yourself even more in the medieval atmosphere, be sure to visit Meistrite Hoov or the Raeapteek, the historic town pharmacy. Both places feel like stepping back in time.
Tallinn isn’t just medieval, though. The city also showcases other architectural influences, like the striking Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a Russian Orthodox church perched on a hill. It’s not only a beautiful building but also surrounded by some great places to eat!
One of the great things about visiting Tallinn is how easily you can turn your trip into a two-in-one city break. It takes just a two-hour ferry ride to reach Helsinki in Finland. Since I had never been there before, and with ferry tickets only €25 round-trip, we didn’t need much convincing to go!
Our first stop in Helsinki was the Uspenski Cathedral, a striking piece of architecture on top of a hill. Unfortunately, it was closed when we arrived, so we couldn’t go inside. The weather was noticeably colder and greyer than in Tallinn, so we took shelter in a nearby botanical garden, which ended up being a surprisingly impressive visit.
Before heading back to Tallinn, we made a quick stop at the Temppeliaukio Church, famously built right into a rock. It’s a unique and beautiful place, though the entrance fee felt a bit steep for the limited access.
Helsinki was definitely worth the detour and made for a great addition to our trip. But after a taste of Finnish prices, we were ready to return to the more budget-friendly Baltics!
After spending a bit more time in Tallinn following our trip to Helsinki, it was time to make our way to Riga. And from the moment my friend and I arrived, we were completely charmed. The beautiful architecture, peaceful pedestrian streets, and smaller crowds made it a wonderfully relaxed city to explore. Plus, there’s so much to see and learn!
Like Tallinn, Riga has its own Old Town, but instead of the Three Sisters, you’ll find the Three Brothers, a trio of historic houses that are even more striking in person. One of them houses a free museum dedicated to architectural history through the centuries, which is definitely worth stepping inside.
Riga is also a fantastic place to dive into its medieval past. One highlight is the House of the Blackheads, a beautifully restored historical building that reflects the city’s rich merchant heritage. Its 14th-century cellar offers an authentic view into medieval life in Riga.
But Riga’s history doesn’t stop at the Middle Ages. The city also tells a powerful story of its more recent past. We visited the Museum of the Occupation, which provides a sobering but important look at the hardships the Baltic states endured under Soviet, Russian, and Nazi regimes. It’s an eye-opening experience that adds a deeper layer to understanding the region.
We started our time in Vilnius by wandering through its enchanting Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and inviting cafés. The city center is dotted with beautiful churches, including the striking St. Anne’s Church and the elegant Church of St. Casimir.
Next, we climbed up to Gediminas Castle for sweeping views over the city and surrounding landscape. Making this a perfect spot to take in the full charm of Vilnius from above.
Vilnius also makes a great base for day trips. Our favorite was the magical Trakai Castle, perched on an island in a tranquil lake, straight out of a fairytale.
Another great escape is Kaunas, a smaller, laid-back city known for its creativity , street art, and modernist architecture.
And if you’re arriving from or heading toward Riga, don’t miss the Hill of Crosses, which is a haunting and unforgettable site covered in thousands of crosses, full of history and symbolism.
I love a good city break in Europe as there’s always something new and unique to discover. With so many diverse cities just a short trip away, weekend getaways never get old.
Curious for more inspiration? Check out my other blog posts on European city trips:
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Hello, I’m Ellen and welcome to this blog! I’m in love with exploring the world and hopefully I get to inspire you with these blog posts and pictures to feel the same. You will find detailed itineraries, hidden gems, tips and so much more!
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